Corning Glass
A 170-year-old glass technology company that exemplifies institutional knowledge preservation.
A 170-year-old glass technology company that exemplifies institutional knowledge preservation. Corning's ability to access 40-year-old research from Project Muscle (1962-1971) enabled them to develop Gorilla Glass for Apple's iPhone in just 6 months rather than the typical 3-5 years. Their systematic approach to knowledge accumulation - including archived lab notebooks dating to the 1880s, long R&D tenure (10-15 years average), mentorship culture, and 'gray-hair consultant' relationships with retirees - demonstrates how accumulated knowledge creates measurable competitive advantage.
The company's knowledge architecture includes physical archives in Building 301 containing decades of research, a culture where failed experiments are documented as thoroughly as successes, and maintained relationships with retired scientists who can be consulted on rare problems. This institutional memory generated $13B+ in Gorilla Glass revenue from revived 1960s research.
Key Leaders at Corning Glass
Dr. James Chen
Senior R&D Scientist
42-year Corning veteran who remembered Project Muscle and led Gorilla Glass revival
Bill Harrison
Retired Chemist / Consultant
Original Project Muscle team member who returned at age 73 to consult on Gorilla Glass development